MPD Looking To Combat Uptick in Crime by Perpetrators on Bikes in Columbia Heights

Very interesting story from NBC Washington about crimes and bikes in Columbia Heights (via Mike DeBonis).

Is this a good way to combat an increase in cell phone snatchings by perpetrators on bikes?

MPD Commander Jacob Kishter comments on the story in the Shaw listserv:

“Its not a new policy or initiative but a misrepresented news story. Rest assured we will not be harassing bike riders.

We have noticed an increase in robberies where bicycles are being used and I want my officers to pay more attention to our known violent offenders who are committing these cases.

In fact we made a great robbery arrest last night involving one of our known offenders who was riding a bicycle which he did not own.”

Ed. Note: MPD also sends me an email asking folks to be careful using their smart phones at night – please remember to be alert. Also another reminder to not leave your purses on the backs of chairs while dining or leave electronic equipment like laptops unattended. I don’t mean to blame the victim in anyway here but there are preventative steps we can take to make us less of a target.